Editor’s note: What is it like to work with finance leaders in driving growth against the backdrop of the ever-changing business landscape and macroeconomic environment? In today's A Day in the Life interview, Juvanus Tjandra (pictured), Partner, Advisory, KPMG in Singapore shares what excites him the most when working with finance leaders and what he has learned from interacting with them.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Juvanus Tjandra (JT): At KPMG, I lead finance and corporate services transformation in the firm, with a focus on strengthening the performance of business functions.
Each day, I engage closely with financial and risk management leaders, including CFOs from various sectors.
My job involves working with them to drive change in key areas of their businesses, such as business collaboration, finance and risk operations. We also look at enhancing the overall operating model of the business through the use of digital technologies.
The role of CFOs has shifted dramatically. Moving beyond their traditional roles in finance and accounting, it is important for CFOs to be forward-looking and consider how they can enhance their value proposition and contribute to the firm’s progress.
CFOs ensure that there is a financial backbone for the company’s future efforts, redirecting spend towards the business’ most pressing priorities.
With their financial background, they are often involved in transformation strategies closely tied to the firm’s performance. To catalyse these plans, they will need to collaborate with other business units to ensure that the company’s investment strategies are closely aligned with the firm’s financial plans.
In this regard, we provide valuable advice to CFOs on how to marry the two aspects, elevating their roles as strategic partners and key advisors for their organisations.
There is no fixed routine at work and every day is different. Most of my time is largely spent on doing client work, taking stock of the projects and deliverables, followed by interacting with our clients across the globe.
I also allocate some time to practice management, focusing on upskilling and developing new skillsets, or tweaking our risk management approach where appropriate.
I enjoy working in such a dynamic environment, as it prompts us consultants to consider how we reshape the way we plan outcomes with clients to stay meaningful and relevant.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with CFOs and finance functions?
JT: Many industries, including the financial services sector, are evolving rapidly, but growth does not happen without change.
What excites me most is exploring new and innovative ways on how CFOs and finance functions can evolve in tandem with the environment they are in, which has become a necessity for businesses to stay competitive.
With a wealth of financial knowledge, CFOs are well poised to become financial stewards, leading the charge in elevating the industry, and play a larger role in supporting corporate development in the firm.
For example, given inflationary pressures and global disruptions, CFOs will need to facilitate an agile allocation of capital, ensuring that returns from investments are maximised and aligned to hit the firm’s targets.
With concerns related to cost and business efficiency high on the radar for many businesses, CFOs can also develop strategic profitability and cost management models, paving the way for the growth of new levels of business in the organisation.
It is exhilarating to be part of the change in driving change in the finance function.
We help elevate CFOs to become central figures in their companies, turning them into value integrators, skilled not only in managing finances but also in providing valuable business insights.
CFOs are typically part of many boardroom conversations in the firm and have a clear view on the inner workings of the company’s cash flow, assets, and expenditures.
At the heart of the action, this puts them in a good position to play a large role in driving collaboration across the firm, breaking down silos and coordinating budgets towards strategic priorities and driving firm-wide change.
I enjoy working in such a dynamic environment, as it prompts us consultants to consider how we reshape the way we plan outcomes with clients to stay meaningful and relevant.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
JT: Embracing change and stepping out of my comfort zone have been crucial for my career development. I've always aimed to learn new skills and dive into different areas to grow professionally.
Even though I started my career focused on strategy and finance, I quickly realised the importance of understanding digital tools and data. This knowledge is essential not only for personal growth but also for providing the best advice to our clients.
One area I've steered is working with financial experts and company leaders to use new technology, like generative artificial intelligence (AI), to work more efficiently and improve their performance.
For example, in finance, being focused on the customer is very important. This doesn't change even for parts of the business that usually don't deal directly with customers, like the finance team.
Generative AI can help CFOs and their teams find important financial and operational information throughout the customer's experience with the company.
FutureCFO: Is there anything outside work—such as a travel experience, a book, participation in a sport event or any volunteering experience—that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life? Can you tell us more about it?
JT: One thing that I look forward to daily, and also serves as a motivation to work harder, is spending quality time with the people around me. While work achievements bring about joy and fulfilment, I believe it is also important to strike a balance between career and personal life.
However, it can be challenging balancing the two aspects equally. While it is not possible to give the same amount of attention to competing demands in work and personal life simultaneously, I try to adapt flexibly whenever I can, by managing my time at work well.
To me, it is important to ensure that there is consistently enough time for rest and relaxation, and not just during stressful periods when grappling with high workload.
Outside of work, I play tennis regularly with my son to unwind, and to also keep healthy, physically and mentally. Sufficient time for rejuvenation is important in developing mental resilience.
